Broken Crayons Mental Health Event At Chipasula Secondary School

Saint John of God Hospitaller Services and Broken Crayons organized a mental health awareness event at Chipasula Secondary School. During the event, we reached over two thousand students on February 16th, 2024, and February 23rd, 2024. The event took place on these days to reach all the students since the school has two shifts, which alternate every week as morning and afternoon shifts.

The event was held under the theme: “Regardless of whatever you are going through, you still have purpose and value, just like broken crayons still colour.” The program of the event consisted of mental health talks and music performances. The mental health talks were delivered by our Psychosocial Counsellor Auston Kayala and Nurse Charles Ndawala and the music performances by artists who are part of the Broken Crayons team. Mr Kayala gave a talk on the negative effects of drug and substance abuse and how to manage stress on both days. While Mr Ndawala gave a talk on understanding mental health and mental illnesses on February 16th. On the 23^rd of February, Mr Chikondi Matenda delivered a talk on understanding mental health and mental illnesses.

The main objective of this event was to promote mental health awareness, youth empowerment, and address crucial topics among students. Head Teacher of Chipasula Secondary School Mrs Ireen Kawale said, “She was impressed with the organisation of the event and issues regarding mental health and youth empowerment are very relevant to the students of Chipasula Secondary School.”